Fulton County property tax bills are landing in Alpharetta and Milton mailboxes this week, and state Rep. Chuck Martin wants homeowners to look before they pay.
Martin, R-Alpharetta, who represents Georgia House District 49, posted on X on Wednesday, Aug. 12, that bills "should arrive later this week or early next" and urged every homeowner and senior to check their County Exemption codes. He shared a sample bill showing the basic Homeowners' exemption alone saves more than $450 a year.
The bills are scheduled to be mailed Saturday, Aug. 15, with payment due Oct. 15, according to a Fulton County press release. They cover the county and school tax portions only. Alpharetta and Milton residents will receive separate city tax bills directly from their respective cities, because those municipalities collect their own property taxes independently.
Why the bills use last year's rates
Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram approved a temporary collection order on Aug. 4 after the Fulton County Board of Assessors fell behind processing an unusually large number of land-package splits and consolidations. The order lets the county bill at 2025 millage rates using the partial 2026 Tax Digest while the assessors finish their work.
A second bill may follow. Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts told CBS Atlanta on Aug. 6 that taxpayers whose bills are correct will receive only one notice. Those whose assessments change once the final digest is certified could see a bill that is higher or lower, or a refund.
Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney warned at an Aug. 4 board meeting that he doesn't "see any plausible scenario where taxpayers won't get two tax bills," as reported by Fox 5 Atlanta. The district relies on local property taxes for roughly 60% of its $1 billion budget.
What to check on your bill
Martin's advice is straightforward: look at the County Exemption codes printed on the bill. The basic homestead exemption, available to any homeowner who occupies the property as a primary residence, can save more than $450 annually.
Seniors 65 and older in the Fulton County Schools jurisdiction, which includes Alpharetta and Milton, qualify for additional reductions. Those who have held a homestead exemption for at least five of the past six years receive a 25% reduction in assessed value for school taxes. Homeowners 70 and older under the same conditions get a 50% reduction.
The primary deadline to apply for 2026 exemptions was April 1, and the 45-day appeal window closed July 31. Both have passed. Homeowners who believe they qualify but do not see the correct codes on their bill should contact the Fulton County Board of Assessors. The assessor's office operates a service center at 11575 Maxwell Road, Suite 102, in Alpharetta, and residents can verify their exemption status online at fultonassessor.org.
What comes next
Once the Georgia Revenue Commissioner certifies the final 2026 tax digest, each taxing jurisdiction will set its official millage rate. No date has been announced for that step. Residents will have the chance to weigh in during the millage-rate hearings before final rates take effect. Payment on the current bill is due Oct. 15.
